1996 Chevrolet Astro Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

Brake Lines & Linings

Remove one of the front wheels and inspect the brake disc, caliper and linings.

Do not allow any oil or grease on the linings. It is recommended that all linings be replaced in sets when worn or damaged.

If the caliper is cracked or fluid leakage through the casting is evident, it must be replaced as a unit.

Brake Roughness

The most common cause of brake chatter on disc brakes is a variation in thickness of the disc. If roughness or vibration is encountered during highway operation or if pedal pumping is experienced at low speeds, the disc may have excessive thickne...

Slow Brake Pedal Return

• Excessive seal friction in booster.
• Faulty spool action.
• Restriction in return line from booster to pump reservoir.
• Damaged input rod end.

Grabby Brakes Or Booster Chatters/Pedal Vibrates

• Faulty spool action caused by contamination in ...

In order to properly service power brake systems, a thorough understanding of the power assist system is necessary. These systems provide a mechanical assist, acting to increase the force applied to the master cylinder piston by the driver while decreasing the effort necessary to obtain acceptable stopping performance.

Hydraulic assist units incorporate a basic open center spool valve, hydraulic cylinder and an accumulator assembly in a common housing. When the brake pedal is depressed, the hydraulic piston moves forward closing off fluid relief passages, the spool valve applies flui...

Manual Bleed

• If vehicle is equipped with power brakes, remove vacuum reserve by applying brakes several times with engine off.
• Fill master cylinder reservoirs with suitable brake fluid. Be sure to always keep master cylinder reservoirs at least half full during entire bleeding procedure.
• If master cylinder is suspected to have air in the bore, it must be bled first, as follows:
• Disconnect forward brake pipe connection at master cylinder.
• Allow brake fluid to fill master cylinder bore until it begins to flow from forward pipe connector port.
• Connect and tighten forward brake pipe at...

Certain general service procedures apply, regardless of whether the brakes are vacuum or hydraulically assisted. Only top quality, clean brake fluid should be used. More seals and valves are used with power brake systems than with ordinary brakes, so an inferior brake fluid will do much more damage. For the same reason, be sure all dirt is kept out of the system. Additionally, care must be taken not to mix the fluids of the booster hydraulic system and brake hydraulic system as the fluids are not compatible.

If the power unit fails, the brakes will still operate, as the conventio...

Disassemble

• Place accumulator compressor tool No. J-26889 or equivalent, around end of accumulator.
• Install nut onto stud as shown in Fig. , then depress the accumulator with a C-clamp.
• Remove retainer by using a punch.
• Release C-clamp and remove accumulator compressor tool.
• Remove accumulator, O-ring, retainer, plug and spring, Fig. .
• Remove retainer, output pushrod, baffle, piston return spring and retainer.
• Using a suitable saw, cut off eyelet of pedal rod, then remove the boot.
• Remove nut, bracket and bolts, then separate cover from housing.
• Remove piston assembly and seals...